Progression of cancer
is a multi-step process. Mutations occur in the genome of the
precancerous cells and accumulate
until the growth of these cells goes unchecked. Identification
of genomic regions that undergo mutation will lead to the discovery
of genes, oncogenes and tumor suppressors responsible for tumor
progression. We have developed a genomic microarray-based method,
representational oligonucleotide microarray analysis (ROMA),
to identify regions in the cancer genome that have undergone
copy number fluctuation. This method is highly sensitive and
quantitative and can detect loss of a single allele.

We are currently studying two tumor types, ovarian and pancreatic
cancer, with two goals in mind. First we will be analyzing a
large set of tumors to identify the genomic regions that are
mutated frequently. These regions will be searched for gene candidates
and these candidates will be functionally characterized. Second,
changes that occur in a tumor may constitute a genetic fingerprint
of that tumor. We plan to identify similarities in genetic fingerprints
using informatics methods. This data will be compared to information
obtained from clinical collaborators to correlate tumor genetic
fingerprints and disease status, ultimately leading to improved
diagnostic and treatment strategies.